NCD Governor Powes Parkop has commended city residents for adhering tothe betel nut ban a day after its implementation.
He saidthe result speaks for itself,the city has never looked better.
“I want to commend our city residents andthe betel nut chewers and sellers. They’ve responded, some might be intimidated into responding, but therwise everybody has responded and cooperated,” said Powes Parkop.
“I want to also encouragethem to keep on going that way. The city can be a better place for everybody, includingthe betel nut chewers andthe vendors,” he added.
Governor Parkop’saidthe long term strategy will eventually lead to a win-win situation.
He reportedthere were some hiccups fromthe Central province; police were stoppinPMV’s bringing betel nut intothe city.
At this stage,they are still allowed to bring betel nut intothe city, to be sold at designated markets likethe Lareva, 6-mile, Waikele and Sabama markets.
He apologised for the inconvenience caused tothe people ofthe Central province, especiallythe Mekeo and Kerema people.
Parkop announcedthe Beai Ben law will be passed after 14 days.
He sees betel nut selling being a licensed regulated activity, meaning it will be taxed inthe future.
&ldquoInthe future, betel nut will be a licenced regulated activity if it’s going to come back intothe city. It cannot be left as an unregulated and uncontrollable activity like we use to have beforethe ban. It has to be a regulated activity; It has to be licenced so thatthe vendors will have to meet certain standard of hygiene and health,” said Parkop.
Be next monththere will be a hotline setup, for doping in buai abusers.
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